And they were off. Runners of all sizes crossed the starting line. Some pushed their way toward the front. One stopped to pee on the first tree of the course.
Dogs ran alongside their owners Saturday at the 30th-annual Dog Days Run, hosted by UF's College of Veterinary Medicine and the UF student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The 5K run and 1-mile Fun Run raised about $10,000 for the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and the Alachua County Humane Society, said Megan Manzie, event coordinator.
The event, which took place at Westside Park, included awards for contests such as best costume, slowest dog and youngest dog.
UF veterinary student Gretchen Henry, her boyfriend and their pharaoh hound, Kesi, wore face paint and dressed as zombies while competing in the 1-mile Fun Run.
Kesi won best costume in a three-way tie with a dog dressed as a picnic basket and another dressed as Harry Potter.
"The event went fantastically," said Manzie, who is also a second-year student at the veterinary school. "The weather was beautiful. We had a fantastic turnout, and I think people had a great time."
Manzie said there were 300 competitors - 250 people and about 50 dogs.
Emily Snyder, a history sophomore, placed first in the 15- to 19-year-old (human) females division of the 5K.
She said she enjoyed being around the dogs and people at the event.
"Running and dogs. What could be better than that?"
